"We Safeguard the Seas"... Navy Commissions Latest 3,600-Ton Frigate 'Gyeongbukham'

All Combat Systems, Radars, and Armaments Developed Domestically

The Gyeongbukham, the Republic of Korea Navy's latest vessel tasked with safeguarding Korea's maritime territory, is expected to be deployed for operational missions in December.

The Gyeongbukham (FFG-III, 3,600-ton class), the second frigate of the Ulsan-class Batch-III series, was commissioned on June 24 at the Jinhae Naval Base.

Commissioning of the Gyeongbuk Ship.
Photo by Naval Operations Command

The Gyeongbukham is the second ship of the Ulsan-class Batch-III, designed to replace the frigates (FF) currently operated by the Navy. A construction contract was signed with SK Oceanplant in December 2021, and the ship was launched in June 2025. After successfully completing about a year of sea trials, it was delivered to the Navy on June 19.

Incorporating advanced science and technology, the Gyeongbukham is a vessel assigned to missions such as surveillance and defense of designated maritime areas, protection of maritime rights and interests, and securing maritime control. It is expected to serve as a core asset in the future fleet. The Gyeongbukham is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons systems, including a 5-inch naval gun, tactical surface-to-ground missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-ship missile defense missiles, and long-range anti-submarine torpedoes.

Notably, the combat system, which can be considered the "brains" of the ship, as well as various detection systems including the multifunction Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and all armaments, were developed using domestic technology. As such, the Ulsan-class Batch-III series represents the cutting edge of Korea's defense industry.

Lieutenant General Kwak Kwangseop, Commander of the Navy Operations Command, stated, "North Korea is pursuing modernization of its conventional forces, as seen in the commissioning of the new destroyer Choi Hyeonho yesterday. Today's commissioning of the Gyeongbukham will further demonstrate the Navy's unwavering commitment to maritime defense."

Meanwhile, after about six months of force integration training, the newly commissioned Gyeongbukham is scheduled to be operationally deployed with the fleet at the end of this year.

As the Gyeongbukham begins its operational mission in December, there are high expectations that it will become a symbol of steadfast maritime defense.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.